The most vulnerable people to coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community can have food security through the Meals on Wheels program with the help of Missoula Aging Services.
The program reached over 800 individuals in the community by delivering meals right to their front door last year alone and as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, organizers anticipate even more folks needing those services now more than ever.
Meals on Wheels typically serves homebound seniors and adults with disabilities who are residents of Missoula County. But for the time being, people at least 60-years-old who feel uncomfortable leaving home because of vulnerability to COVID-19 can sign up as a participant of Meals on Wheels.
For those looking to volunteer, Meals on Wheels foresees needing more drivers and food providers in the coming weeks.
During that time, operations will change slightly. Drivers will only deliver two days a week as opposed to the normal five days a week, more frozen meals will be served to eliminate as much contact as possible, and drivers will be expected to sanitize their hands before and after each delivery. Additionally, new drivers must complete a basic background check before they can volunteer.
Missoula Aging Services Susan Kohler CEO says our current situation is the perfect example of why Meals on Wheels is an essential service for the most vulnerable populations in our community.
We contacted all of our existing Meals on Wheels recipients just to let them know ‘don’t worry we’re gonna continue to deliver meals," Kohler told MTN News. "And one woman, Rebecca, she’s a recipient, and her response after we called was “oh thank God, I was so worried, you’re bringing me meals. I was so scared, but now I know I’ll have enough food'."
Click here for details about requirements for volunteers and participants. Additional volunteering opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here .
